Olive oil reduces the risk of coronary arteries

There are many health benefits of foods that are part of the Mediterranean diet, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and olive oil.

They have proved to strengthen bones, improve brain health, and reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.

A recent study in America shows that replacing margarine, butter, or mayonnaise with just five grams of olive oil is associated with the equivalent of seven percent less risk of coronary artery disease.

People who used more than seven grams of olive oil or half a teaspoon a day faced a 15 - percent lower risk of any type of cardiovascular disease and a 21 - percent lower risk of coronary artery disease.

One study found that people who followed the Mediterranean diet filled with ecx olive oil fell virgins had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack or stroke for five years.

They also showed a slower drop in cognitive function and were able to control their weight better. This is encouraging in view of high - calories olive oil, about 120 calories in each tea spoon.